One of the most joyful parts of this parable is how the father celebrates his son's return. "This is a God who loves to celebrate when lost things come home. God just loves a celebration."
We often think of God as serious and stern, but this parable shows a different side. "God is saying, no, we're having a feast here. We're having the best barbecue, with music... It's a celebration, a party. That's who God is at heart—He loves to celebrate."
I believe this is a beautiful image of God that Jesus shows us so clearly: a God who knows when to be serious, when to be strict, when to be lighthearted, and when to celebrate. If we don't think of heaven as a celebration, then we're not fully understanding God's heart. Without celebration, God might not seem as inviting, and without a sense of joy and celebration, the church can't attract a lost and hurting world.
It's easy to imagine a child celebrating and dancing, but can you picture your heavenly Father celebrating and dancing with joy over your life?
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